Did you hear about the elderly Spanish woman who helped her church by restoring one of their murals? If you want, you can read the whole story by clicking here. Otherwise, here's a summation:The 19th century fresco used to look like this:

It deteriorated to this:

And then she fixed it. Now it looks like this:

Can you believe it? Neither can I? Holy transformation! It totally inspired me. This past week I decided to go to some museums and try my hand a restoration. I hate to brag, but I think I've outdone myself. Just look at what I've done to the Mona Lisa. The folks at the Louvre just went out of their minds!

Then I headed over to the Art Institute of Chicago and improved on Grant Wood's American Gothic. The folks there didn't know how to thank me. I even saw some tears in their eyes!

Picasso's Old Guitarist was next. They didn't know how to respond to this one either. I really left them speechless.

So I contacted the owner of Munch's The Scream. I have to say, this one is my favorite. Not only that, when I presented the finished painting the owner screamed, too! Not in agony, though, but sheer delight -- at least I'm pretty sure it was.

Anyway, what do you think? Did I do a good job? I know a lot of people are talking about my work. Maybe this is a start of a new career for me. Which painting should I do next?

I’m worried that I’m a geek, and it has nothing to do with the hoodie I bought that says ‘geek.’ That’s a coincidence. I just wanted a souvenir from the Microsoft gift shop and I thought that it was cute. The reason I’m worried is because of last weekend. We FINALLY went to see Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. I was thrilled. I love all things superhero. I even wanted to marry Batman when I was young. (Sadly, I gave that dream up in my thirties.)

Anyway, when we decided to go I had on my glow-in-the-dark Batman hoodie. I had to change out of it. I mean, wearing Batman clothes to a Batman movie is geeky, right? So I swapped it out for the ‘geek’ hoodie I mentioned earlier. (It matched my toenail polish.) Still, I wondered, what 45 year-old woman has a glow-in-the-dark Batman hoodie, or even one that says ‘geek’?

No. I am NOT kidding.

It doesn’t end there. As I sit in my dining room, my gaze drifts toward the right. There in the corner, on top of my gorgeous French provincial chest, stands a Lord of the Rings Lego scene. No, it’s not mine. I just thought it was cute so I put it there. Geeky, right? As for my prized possession from my Seattle trip? A Dr. Who coffee mug. But that’s different. It's really not geeky at all. In fact, it’s kind of cool. When you pour hot liquid into it the TARDIS moves. Here, take a look:

The TARDIS, just hangin' in the street...

...while space remains a dark, empty abyss.

Then what devilry is this? The TARDIS is disappearing!

It's back in space heading for another adventure!

Seriously, how freaky is that?!

All right. I know what you’re thinking. You had me pegged as soon as I said ‘Microsoft gift shop.’ But that’s not my fault. I have an honest explanation. That’s where my brother works. He’s got a really great job doing ultra cool things. We had to check it out.One of the things he works on is their Home of the Future. It’s packed with cutting edge technology for the home. Which is AWESOME. Though it’s not open to the public, my family got to take a tour. For even non-geeks, that pretty neat. They’ve got stuff there so secret, they won’t even let you take pictures. Well, actually….Since my brother’s on the team, I got to take a TON of photos. Would you like to see some? Then click here. Just remember, Microsoft doesn’t know about these. Say nothing, so my brother doesn’t get in trouble. Anyway, I’m coming to grips with my geeky side. It’s part of me. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you’ve got to embrace yourself. Make sure you do, too.

I just got home from a two week vacation and I just can't wait to sleep with my husband. Get your mind out of the gutter. What I mean is I've been sleeping with a twitchy kid in my bed for fourteen days straight.When we stay at a hotel, the kids hate sharing beds with each other. They say, "It's gross." They also seem to 'accidentally' elbow each other in the jaw, so we don't mind separating them.Still, what that usally means for me are nights filled with errant kicks and blanket tug-of-wars. It has turned me into one tired pup, which is why there won't be much writing in this post.Instead, I've decided to share some of the unecessary junk we crammed into our suitcases. No trip is complete without a nail-biting scene at the airline counter where you worry whether or not your suitcase is too heavy. So here I go. Below is a list of the ridiculous stuff we bought. May it shock and awe you.To start, here's a cute button I just had to have...

One of my sons found a cute button , too. Unfortunately, we had to take it away from him because he poked his brother with the pin in the back. And, no, the irony is not lost on me.

A cute wristlet I found...

You can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can't take Iowa out of the girl.

My absolute favorite find: Action Figure Jesus!

I have to say, he has already come in handy. Just look what he did as soon as we got home!

Though we could have just eaten these instead...

That's right -- "All Natural!"

We got a few t-shirts, as well. This has to be my favorite:

In case you can't read this it says, "Confidence is the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation."

And, finally, let me share this goofy little thing we found in the Microsoft gift shop. Just squeeze the cow's belly and the foam ball shoots out of its mouth. How's that for awesome? If only I could find a way to demonstrate. Hmmm....

Oh, no. Not Action Figure Jesus?! That would be sacrilege!

WAIT. I don't believe it. Is this a miracle I see before my eyes?!

...I think I hear angels singing in the background....

Holy deflection! It IS a miracle! That Action Figure Jesus is one tough dude!

Okay, that was too cool. I think I'll going to play with Jesus a little more.Until next time,Mom

Weird Author

My name's Murphy, Janene Murphy, and I'm a weird mom.

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